Understanding Trees and Utilities

A classic is the challenge faced by the National Park Service to preserve the delicate beauty of our scenic jewels while at the same time finding ways to make them accessible to thousands of people every year. Another classic is found in utility arboriculture — the challenge of providing safe, dependable electric or gas while at the same time protecting a community’s trees. Unfortunately, trees can cause power outages when they’re allowed to grow into wires or if limbs fall and break them.

When the pruners arrive on a street and the roar and grind of chippers disturb the tranquil setting in a neighborhood, residents are often alarmed and even angry. What many do not understand is the absolute need to keep tree limbs away from overhead wires. And until one gets to know utility arborists, it is easy to not appreciate the danger and pressures under which they provide service — let alone the fact that most appreciate trees as much as any of us. 

The purpose of this bulletin is to better acquaint our readers with the utility industry and the men and women who are charged with guaranteeing the uninterrupted delivery of our utilities.

THE CHALLENGES FOR UTILITY ARBORISTS:

• Delivering uninterrupted electric and gas service.
• Keeping workers safe in an industry said to have a risk factor 10 times higher than most.
• Keeping the public safe.
• Satisfying property owners whose trees are affected by pruning or corridor maintenance.
• Working compatibly with local officials, company employees, contractors, and others.
• Retaining employees whose work is outdoors in all kinds of weather, physically hard, and dangerous.
• Finding ways to dispose of pruning and removal debris.
• Avoiding the constant threat of litigation due to wildfire starts, personal injuries, and property damage.
• Operating economically to satisfy investors or member owners.